The NHS is urging residents in Harrow to help save lives by donating blood after a challenging festive period where demand for donations exceeded supply. With nearly 26,000 appointments still available across London, including at the Edgware Donor Centre, local residents are being called on to make a difference.
National figures show that during Christmas week, demand for blood from hospitals exceeded collections by almost 3,000 units. This included a shortfall of over 900 units of O negative blood, which is vital for emergency care. Seasonal illnesses, cold weather, and holiday schedules have been cited as key factors leading to missed or unfilled appointments.
Dr Jo Farrar, chief executive at NHS Blood and Transplant, said: “New Year is a time when lots of people make resolutions. Make giving blood your resolution for 2025 and you will save up to three lives every time you donate.
“The NHS needs life-saving blood all year round, so we are asking people to help us maintain the lifesaving supply of blood to hospitals this year by booking an appointment now.
“Between now and the middle of January we still have almost 11,000 appointments that we need to fill.
“Giving blood is quick and easy – the whole process takes just one hour. Book an appointment today and save lives this year.”
The festive period is always a challenge for blood stocks, with Christmas Day and New Year’s Day being the only days when blood isn’t collected. Blood donations are crucial for treating patients with cancer, blood disorders, and those undergoing surgery or emergency care. Each donation can save or improve up to three lives.
Donors with O negative, B negative, and Ro blood types are particularly needed in the coming weeks, and there is a continued need for donors of Black heritage to support patients with sickle cell disease who require ethnically matched blood.
First-time donors are encouraged to take the step to save lives, with appointments available at permanent donor centres, including Edgware, which has availability during quieter weekday morning and afternoon slots.
Minister for Patient Safety, Baroness Merron, added: “The NHS is in urgent need of blood, and registering to donate is a simple yet powerful way to save lives.
“We are grateful to everyone who has donated so far, but we know more needs to be done.
“This New Year, make it your resolution to give blood to help protect and support our NHS over winter.”
To book an appointment, visit www.blood.co.uk, use the GiveBlood app, or call 0300 123 23 23.
Chris Mitchell is the founder and editor of Harrow Online, Harrow’s leading local news platform.
He launched Harrow Online in 2010 as a Facebook page sharing local news and information. Since then, it has grown into a trusted source for breaking news, crime, council decisions, planning, transport, business and community stories across the borough.
Harrow Online reaches hundreds of thousands of readers each month and has a social media audience of more than 200,000 followers.
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